Peak-time ScotRail fares scrapped for further three months

A pilot scheme scrapping peak-time ScotRail fares is being extended by the Scottish government for a further three months.

The scheme - which means fares are the same at all times of the day - has been running since last October. It was initially due to last six months but was then extended until 28 June.

First Minister John Swinney announced the extension until the end of September during a visit to Edinburgh's Waverley Station. The introduction of the scheme saw the cost of a rush-hour ticket between Glasgow and Edinburgh being nearly halved, from £28.90 down to £14.90. However, passengers who previously bought the cheapest off-peak return ticket available on some routes have been missing out. They include the Inverness-Elgin, and Glasgow-Stirling routes where "super off-peak day returns" were scrapped.

Some other routes had no peak-time fares in place last October, so ticket prices stayed the same. Overall, the government said the pilot project was aimed at boosting rail travel - which was down by 70% since the start of the Covid pandemic.

The First Minister said: “The Scottish Government’s ambition to enhance our railways and make public transport easier and more affordable is clear.

“We know new rail investment can create real education, business and tourism opportunities and help breathe life into communities. This is currently most apparent with the soon-to-open £116m Levenmouth rail link.

“Bold initiatives such as our ScotRail Peak Fares Removal pilot help build on this investment by encouraging more people to switch from car and opt to use the train. By extending this pilot for a further three months, we can better understand its impacts in terms of encouraging people to choose rail. It also helps tackle inequalities by making commuting, day trips and access to leisure activities even more affordable for all.

“I would encourage passengers to use this opportunity, not just for the daily commute but to see all that Scotland has to offer - that might even include a trip on the Levenmouth rail link or a visit to the Fife Expo. People already benefitting from the Peak Fares Removal trial should encourage their friends and family to get on board and use it too.”

Joanne Maguire, ScotRail Managing Director, said: “The removal of peak fares trial has been a hugely exciting opportunity for Scotland’s Railway to encourage more people across the country to choose rail travel.

“We are delighted that the Scottish Government has decided to extend the trial, and it gives even more people the opportunity to take advantage of more affordable journeys.

“Everyone at ScotRail is working hard to deliver the best possible journey experience for our customers, and encourage people to make travelling by train their mode of transport.”